I did my homework! I think it was one of the first days I arrived here that I realized I needed to make a bucket list of things I wanted to try, visit, and see in Lisbon and its surrounding area. Well, almost one month into my adventure, I proudly report that there are only four places remaining.
In this post, I want to look back on the list and review what I have managed so far. Of course, there were some unexpected surprises as I let my spontaneity run free in certain moments… Overall – unforgettable memories were created.
“Tour de Churches”
I think this is quite a fitting way to sum up this post. Lisbon has so many of them. I feel like every street I walk through has one. Some blend in and even get lost in the surrounding buildings, while others, in contrast, stand out dramatically. I will talk about those that want to steal your attention all for themselves. Let’s start with the one appearing on every webpage recommending: “Top X things you need to see in Lisbon.”
Jeronimos Monastery – a glorious Gothic creation, which stabbed me in the back! Sorry, not sorry, but I find paying 18 euros to visit a monastery a bit over the top. I would gladly spend that money if it also included a visit to the archaeological museum located in its buildings. But that is under reconstruction until 2026. 🙁
*Small digression Some of my friends tease me at certain moments that I act like Scrooge McDuck. In my defense, I think I just know what I want to spend my money on…
So, obviously, when I asked ChatGPT what museums and sights are free in Lisbon on the first Sunday of the month, it gave me a beautifully bullet-pointed list. I would rate it 5/10, as it got about half of the options wrong, duh…
If any of you want to pull off this trick when coming here, I want to warn you that, unlike, for example, London, where you can visit almost anything (museum/gallery-related) without paying, in Lisbon, you have to be a resident to get free access to the majority of places like these.
Jeronimos Monastery – seen from the outside :DDDD DONE
Church of Santa Engrácia – DONE. I definitely recommend this one, as I had a wonderful time here during golden hour… It felt magical and romantic.
Graça Church – is probably the best viewpoint of Lisbon I have experienced so far… You want proof? Here is the picture, although I have to admit it would probably look much better under more favorable weather circumstances (that day sky whas on roller coaster mode). DONE
Church of São Roque took my breath away with its interior. Don’t let it trick you; from the outside, it may look very ordinary, yet as soon as you enter, you don’t know where to turn your head first. Each chapel has striking wooden decorations full of pillars, ornaments, and statues. Be sure to look up, and don’t forget to do some neck exercises afterwards—you can lose track of time admiring that ceiling. DONE
Lisbon Cathedral – partially DONE (really nice). I came there after opening hours, so I have seen it just from the outside—I am planning to change that.
